quick 1 of 3

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as in fast
having or showing quickness of mind a quick lad, he immediately caught on to how the machinery operated

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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quick

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adverb

quick

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noun

as in heart
the seat of one's deepest thoughts and emotions that nasty comment cut me to the quick

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective quick contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of quick are apt, prompt, and ready. While all these words mean "able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability," quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power.

quick reflexes
a keen quick mind

When is apt a more appropriate choice than quick?

The words apt and quick can be used in similar contexts, but apt stresses the possession of qualities (such as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible.

an apt student
her answer was apt and to the point

Where would prompt be a reasonable alternative to quick?

While the synonyms prompt and quick are close in meaning, prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

When is it sensible to use ready instead of quick?

The meanings of ready and quick largely overlap; however, ready suggests facility or fluency in response.

backed by a pair of ready assistants

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quick
Adjective
Advertisement Fortunately, medical personnel, taking a quick look at him, intervened and the trip home was delayed. Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024 Short books to read to meet your reading goal Need a short book to cap off your 2024 reading or a quick, immersive read to get you out of a reading slump? Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Adverb
If everything looks good, the team can push the vehicle to go a little quicker, to push a little harder for a better lap time. Roberto Baldwin, Ars Technica, 22 Dec. 2024 Where needed the soil acidity could be reduced even quicker with an application of soil or agricultural sulfur at the rate of 1 pound for each 100 square feet of garden site. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
Hall’s adaptation cuts to the quick of the novel and transfers the shifting, unsettling quality of Larsen’s text back onto the viewer’s shoulders. New York Times, 20 Oct. 2021 Jones took the snap and fired a quick out to Henry for 6 yards and the first down. BostonGlobe.com, 14 Sep. 2021 See all Example Sentences for quick 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick
Adjective
  • Krishnan's appointment on Dec. 22 stirred a swift backlash on social media over those immigration views, which quickly turned openly racist.
    Dan Primack, Axios, 27 Dec. 2024
  • These plans ensure that if a breach occurs, the response is swift, organized and transparent, minimizing damage and protecting customer data.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Overweight or obese cats are more exposed to the risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis and faster degeneration of affected joints, and urinary bladder stones, as well as anesthetic complications.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Over the last year, home values rose by 5.8%, which is much faster than the national average.
    Andrew DePietro, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Digital marketing agencies focused on niche markets With the rapid growth of the influencer market and rising demand for video content creation, digital marketing agencies are a smart business choice.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Can-Am claims a rapid top-up to 80% capacity in 50 minutes over Level 2 charging.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • My experience providing staffing solutions gives me a keen perspective on this new age of workers.
    Jason Leverant, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Contributing writer Matt Morris is a keen astronomer, wildlife watcher and photographer living in Somerset, UK.
    Matt Morris, Space.com, 27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The original pioneers were mostly busy making non-hyperpop or gone: SOPHIE tragically died in 2021; 100 gecs spent years toiling to make their zany stadium-rock second album.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2024
  • People have found out in the process — some who’ve gone virtual — their attendance has gone way up.
    Peggy O’Hare, ExpressNews.com, 7 May 2020
Noun
  • Vinnie had slowly managed to win his big brother's heart over.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025
  • O'Heir did not take any of the jokes to heart but was touched by Pratt's support.
    Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Develop New Skills The workplace is constantly evolving, and staying competitive means being willing to learn.
    Stephen Nalley, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Unlike the Leafs, the Oilers were willing to pay a first-round pick for Henrique last spring and were rewarded with a trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
    Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The timing is also clever because one of the service’s biggest hits, Severance, is about to launch its second series.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • The first was a clever deflection off the skate and the other was a shot off the post that made the in-arena staff blow the goal horn.
    Omar White, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near quick

Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on quick

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